US pop phenomenon Selena Gomez is to host the star-studded MTV EMA awards in Belfast in November.

The actress (19) and platinum recording artist will present the 18th annual awards live from the Odyssey Arena on Sunday, November 6.

Gomez, girlfriend of teen heart-throb Justin Bieber, is the first official star confirmed.

This year, for the first time, the host will act as linchpin across all platforms for MTV's global celebration of music. Gomez will oversee all the onstage antics, performances, winners and highlights of the evening, as well as checking in on Twitter to share |behind-the-scenes gossip and offering her unique commentary on mtvema.com

Gomez said: “I'm so excited to be the host of the 2011 MTV EMA — it's a dream come true.”

The former Disney star will compete with Bieber in the Biggest Fans award.

Although not confirmed yet, it is believed Lady Gaga, leading the way with six nominations, will attend the event, along with Adele, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and Rihanna, who is currently in Belfast, shooting a new music video with DJ Calvin Harris.